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HISTORY

The founding father of the National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc.; Elijah Hamilton, was a native of Augusta, Georgia.

He moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he affiliated himself with the Bethel A.M.E. Church. As President of the Usher Board, he was a diligent member of the ushers' Brotherhood, campaigning vigorously to enlarge the ushers scope of operations.

In July 1910, Brother Hamilton issued a call to organize a National Group. Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia—responded and formulated plans for the organization of the National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc.

Elijah Hamilton was elected President of the National body and served for one year. Ill health prevented him from continuing in his office and he was made Honorary President.

The National United Church Ushers Association of America was organized to:

1. Create better service and broaden the Christian, social and moral activities field.
2. Foster more intimate and cordial relations among state unions
3. Break down interdenominational discrimination and prejudice.
4. Insure a large fellowship among all ushers and others.
5. Become a source of inspiration for doing greater things in Christiandom.
6. Unify ushering system.
7. Educate ushers in Christian work.
8. Practice Golden Rule.

From 1920 to 1940 William Davis of Washington, D.C., served this body faithfully as President.

At the National Convention held in Dallas, Texas, in 1940, a dedicated church worker, Susie Gomes of Philadelphia, organized the Junior Department.

The Dallas Convention chose Allen A. Griffith, Sr., of Washington, D.C. to succeed President Davis. In 1951, President Griffith was given the title of President Emeritus. 

His successor was Henry Ballard of New York City. President Ballard remained in office until 1959 when R. E. Harshaw, Jr. of Tennessee was elected National President with Henry Ballard becoming President Emeritus.

The National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc., has grown to encompass states from the Atlantic to Pacific.

A National organ, "The National Doorkeeper," is published by the Editorial Department.

Other departments in the Association include: Arts and Crafts, Education Junior, Young Adults, Public Relations, A. W. Briggs Health Unit and a School of Ushering.

At the National Convention held in St. Louis, Missouri, President Harshaw brought ideas to the assemblage about launching a National Scholarship Fund. President Harshaw's plans called for a $10,000 Scholarship Fund. He asked each usher to contribute 52 cents annually to the fund. Today the United Church Ushers Scholarship Fund has doubled the $10,000 mark. 

In 1964, at the Forty-fifth Convention held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Leroy Johnson of San Francisco was elected President of the august body and has served until the present time.

In 1968, at the Forty-ninth Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Raymond Alexander Smith of Washington, D.C., was elected President of the august body.


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"By their fruits you

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